Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about having a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program, it's vital to think about a range of elements. For example, pet owners can focus on coat and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders must, on contrary, consider things such as inbreeding, health testing, and genetic testing.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and it's no reason to wonder why. They are fun-loving, mellow dogs that love to please and are able to adapt to different environments. They are wonderful companions for all ages and families even children. But before buying a French bulldog, it's important to locate a reliable breeder.
Asking people you know that own Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have worked with previously is the best way to get started. You can also search for breeders who have a good reputation on social media and review sites. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person after you've made a list. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, look the places they live and play, and also observe the conditions in which they live.
A good breeder will welcome visitors to their facility and will be more than happy to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and the breeding program. They should be able provide you with detailed information on the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also be provided with a contract detailing the conditions of the purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the puppies. They should look healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder should also provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who concentrate on making money rather than the welfare of their puppies. Inbreeding can result in breathing problems and genetic disorders in dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive poor care. These conditions can lead to problems with behavior and lower the life expectancy of puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail can make them vulnerable to a variety of issues, including back pain and arthritis in joints and slipped discs.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a process that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how it could affect the overall health of the animal. In breeding programs, it's typical to test for specific conditions that could pass to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our effort to produce healthy dogs.
The tests we use to evaluate our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests test the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has an illness-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health tests are an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders who are reputable use them to ensure quality in their breeding animals. It is important to know that not all genetics-based health tests are created equal. It is crucial to find an lab that can accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
Mini Bulldogge Kaufen of genetics-based labs provide testing for various diseases that affect breeds. The most reliable labs transmit the results to OFA which maintains databases on each breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look for a dog's status in testing and see the health history of all of its relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed decisions about breeding based on the health history of their dog's siblings, aunts and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is important to choose a breeder that only uses accredited laboratories of OFA to conduct genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure accuracy and prevent false health claims.
There are several health panels that are suitable for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine a number of genetics-based health test that are specific to the French bulldog breed, and reduce the cost. A "clear" result means that the dog doesn't carry the mutation that causes a particular disease. This decreases the likelihood that the mutation could be passed on to the offspring. A "carrier" result means the dog is carrying one copy of the mutation, but does not show any symptoms of the disease. Likewise, the result of "at-risk" indicates that the dog is at risk of developing the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack animals that thrive in a hierarchy environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is an important process that begins from the time of the age of. Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to different people, places, and things from the age of one to build their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with people of all ages, dogs, and different experiences like riding in the car, being cleaned and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal pets that have strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, which requires patience and a consistent approach to training to harness their determination and create friendly, well-behaved dogs.
While it is essential to establish a social bond with your Frenchie at a young age, don't expose them to terrifying or dangerous situations until they're fully vaccine-free and ready for these kinds of interactions. It is equally important to not reward their expressions of fear as they could develop phobias that can last for a lifetime.
Socialization should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment and on a regular basis so that your dog continues to become comfortable in new environments. This can be as simple as going to a new park every week or the introduction of them to different family members and friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks in your neighborhood and trips to the pet store and visits to the vet to get shots and grooming.
Your pup should also be exposed other sounds, sights and environments as well as the kinds of activities they will likely engage in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead in a secure space or taking a ride in the car. This will make them more flexible, confident and resilient in any circumstance.
Although many people view Frenchies as just lap dogs, they are actually active, sociable and fun dogs that can easily become involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs, and even aid people recovering from surgery or illness.
Training
While Frenchies are generally low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They love to spend time playing with their owners and with other dogs. While they don't have the desire to be a good watchdog, they be able to respond well to obedience training and will be eager to learn new tricks and commands. This breed can be a bit stubborn so patience is essential when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. Regularly brushing them will help keep them free of dirt and oil, as well as remove hairs that have fallen out. To prevent their signature wrinkles from getting infected it is essential to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of attention using baby wipes that are not scented.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to retain information. This will help them avoid potential dangers in situations. This is especially important in the event that you intend to take your pet on hikes or other excursions where they might be inclined to wander off and explore. Instructing them to return when they are called can help them stay safe when they are lost or run through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will teach them that responding to your needs is the best method of earning rewards such as food or toys, as well as attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline, since this can cause them to be resistant to learning and could cause behavioral problems down the road.
Although the majority of Frenchies will be potty trained by their breeders, it's essential to begin puppy training when you bring them home. Create a schedule of feeding and playing and follow it. This will allow you to establish an excellent base for your French Bulldog's fundamental obedience. It will also help you train them in the future.